Hats off boys

Local Sports

Former National midfielder Ronald Chaudhary. Photo credit S1.Former Fiji national soccer midfielder Ronald Chaudhary says Fiji should shrug off its 0-1 loss to New Zealand and pat themselves for a fine performance.

The winner of the 1988 Melanesian Cup, held at the Lawson Tama Stadium, praised the efforts of the players for taking the game to the highly rated New Zealand side.

“Fiji played a great game. The missed opportunities is what came to haunt them, had they been put away, it would’ve put a dent to New Zealand’s favourite tag,” said Chaudhary.

He said Fiji needs to beat off the loss and walk head-held up high.

“Great show of camaraderie, you got to give it to the players”.

The national alumni watched the live stream on the OFC website in Canada; said Fiji did everything right except for a costly 9th minute bad bounce early in the game.

The All Whites scored after goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau failed to hold the ball on a Leo Bertos free kick. Tommy Smith jumped on the play to prod in what was the game winner.

Chaudhary told Sports1 that despite the single error there’s a lot of a positive to pull from the opening game

“Fiji’s prep time versus New Zealand’s many international exhibitions, Fiji did exceptionally well and for that every single player and the officials deserve a pat on the back.

“It was not an easy walk in the park for the New Zealand. They had to work their tails off in the second half to contain Fiji’s pressure,” said Chaudhary.

He said Fiji forwards of Osea Vakatalesau and Roy Krishna need to pick up a notch in their play and finish off their chances.

“Osea (Vakatalesau) had his name written all over Roy’s nifty back heal, he shot it over the stick. That was the game changer”. “Roy too gleaned a few close range shots from the top of the 18 yards”.

Chaudhary, however, is optimistic Fiji will come around to finish it atop in the OFC, Nations Cup. “Let’s all believe”, Chaudhary added.